Re: OOC thread
Yeah I knew they changed titles based on the culture: emperor, basileus, badshah, kaiser. The part that confused me was them using two different titles for what looked to be duchy rulers. It would make sense for the Byzantines to be a bit more ahead of the other rulers administration-wise, so that explanation make sense as to why they have two types of duke.
Though technically the Greek word for duke would be doukas instead of doux, but I suppose they didn't want you confused since that's one of the ruling dynasties. It's also kind of odd that Amalfi doesn't use the Greek term at least early on since they are Byzantine and mostly of Greek culture. Historically speaking did the other merchant republics use doge because I've never really seen it outside of Venice and they all seem to use it in game.
I do enjoy starting at the earliest date and trying to go the whole distance but there is something quite enjoyable at starting in other bookmarks. I am very much enjoying my current game with the independent Armenian county of Lori in the Caucasus. Though it is insane trying to build an Armenian kingdom while sandwiched between the Byzantines, Seljuks, Georgians, and Azeri lands. It's more like a game of survival and seizing opportunities when you see them.